Friday, December 26, 2008

Friday December 26th

Yesterday was fun and relaxing. also a little busy, as my parents dropped in to visit. My dad had just arrived Wednesday night after driving all day from California. Then, because of the weather, he thought he might have to leave today to avoid storms in the Sierras. I was sad that I only got a short time to talk to him and see him, so I asked him to think of staying here a little longer and then going home via the southern route, so they could avoid the Sierra mountains. Fortunately he called later last evening and said he was willing to stay for 2 more days. Now, I am standing right next to my dad and I really glad that he decided to stay because I miss him when my mom is here and he is in California. So that was kind of a Christmas blessing for me.

I've still be having struggles with nausea. I am afraid it might be because my liver is getting swollen again and presses against my stomach. I'm feeling sentimental over the holidays, because I worry that it will be my last Christmas with my family. I'm scheduled to meet with my oncologist on Wednesday and I'll probably start my next 3 week cycle of chemo. After that, Dr. Shehadeh said he'd order a pet scan, which is more comprehensive and will give him a good view of the extent of my illness.

Much of my worry pertains to my children. I still want to enjoy time with them and play games and go on outings with them, but all of these things are harder to do when I am sick. I want to take care of the children, but at this point it might be the lesson they need to learn to take care of their mother. Perhaps they can learn compassion service and obedience that they might not learn any other way.

I'm reading a book called Mary and Joseph which is a fictionalized story of Christ's birth. It has brought me great comfort to read about our Savior and his life.
Enjoy your holidays. My boys are happy putting together their legos and playing with new gadgets.
Emilee

7 comments:

Len and Elaine said...

Hi, Emilee --
It was so special to have you, David and the boys over for the afternoon and Christmas Eve Dinner. I could tell you were tired and was happy you could rest and read upstairs to get your strength so you could join all the family later. You looked so pretty -- you are certainly loved by our family and you uplift us with your faith and courage. I am so happy your parents can be with you over the holidays. Their presence is a great gift of comfort.

Lots of love,
Elaine

LUV5KDZ said...

I love Christmas miracles! I didn't need one this year, I was just thankful to feel the spirit in my home.

The precious lessons you are teaching your boys now will enrich thier lives forever. I loved the time we spent caring for my father in law during his last few years. It was hard, but it was wonderful. It is always great to be part of a miracle in someone elses life. When you have the opportunity to serve and comfort and be the hands of the Lord to bless them, you truly learn to love and live by the spirit of God on a daily basis.

I am so glad to hear you had a wonderful Christmas with your family around you. Today was wonderful and sunny. I pray your dad has good weather on his drive home...or that the weather keeps him socked in and near you and the kids for as long as you need him there! I hope he gives you father's blessings when he is there. It always feels good to have spiritual experiences with your parents.

Love and comfort to all of you!

~Becky

Jenn K said...

Glad you had a good Christmas. We got out inbetween the snowstorms Christmas day with out a hitch. We've been snowed in/slushed in/rained in here in Seattle. It's dark after 4:00 p.m. -crazy! We went and saw "Bedtime Stories" at the theater today and it was real funny. Otherwise, the kids are just playing with cousins. We're hoping to avoid the stomach bug that has hit every family here but us. Yikes! Wish us luck. I'll type to you a little later. -Jennie

Mark Newman said...

sounds like Christmas was wonderful. I hope this week is nice for your family as well. I have really enjoyed having no school and no schedule! Stayed in PJ's until noon for the last 3 days! That changes with church today. Hope you have a wonderful Sunday. Love, Kath

LUV5KDZ said...

I was just thinking about you this morning. I hope you have a restful and relaxing sabbath. I am still so moved by the experience you had last week with your blessing. It is so good to know that our Father knows exactly what we need and blesses us through the hands of his willing servants. May we all choose to live by the spirit and step out to help those in need, especially when inspired to do so.

I love you, and wish you a warm and comfortable day with your loved ones.

Chrissie said...

Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you and hope you might feel well enough to go out sometime next week, before your appointment. Maybe lunch? I'm glad you had a nice Christmas. Love you lots!

Anonymous said...

G'morning beautiful daughter,

After a very long 15-hour drive yesterday through southern Utah, Arizona, Nevada, and up through the California valley we are home safe and sound. Although it was long, we had son Peter with us to entertain us, the weather was beautiful and clear, the scenery lovely, and NO SNOW OR ICE!!

We enjoyed every minute we got to spend with you and with the rest of the family over the past week (weeks for me,) but it is nice to be at HOME.

I am so grateful to the many super friends and family members who are there to help you when we are not there. May the Lord bless ALL of you wonderful people for your service and your love. For as the Lord said, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren (or sister!), ye have done it unto me."

I miss you already! (I'm doing the same thing you always do when you write on your blog!)

Eternal Love,

Mom